DENVER -- As the looming winter storm approaches Colorado, the horticulture staff at the Denver Botanic Gardens is paying close attention to the forecast.
Approximately 1.2 million people visit the venue annually, so its collection of 25,000 plants has to look good, despite the weather.
Denver7 asked horticulturist Bridget Blomquist for advice as the bad weather moves into the state.
1. First, Blomquist says frost can form in our state even after the traditional Mother’s Day deadline. She tends to plant at the end of May to reduce her risk of flower and plant damage.
2. If you have any annuals that have not been planted, you can bring them inside. If they’re in the ground you can use a thin sheet or a special blanket you can find at your local garden center for protection.
3. Perennials already in the ground should be sturdy enough to survive the weather.
4. If you have a special variety already in the ground you can protect it, too. “If you have something really special, that you feel like is your prized procession plant, go cover it too,” said Blomquist.
5. In addition, the Denver Botanic Garden grows a lot of plants native to Colorado since they are better equipped to handle our unusual weather.
Blomquist knows even with the best planning, Colorado’s erratic weather can still get in the way of outdoor gardening plans.
“It’s part of the industry knowing that there’s many things out of control and one of them is the weather.”
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